Flood defence work goes on

WORK on the second phase of Warrington’s new flood defence scheme will get under way this summer, following completion of the first phase currently reaching an advanced stage at Latchford.
The second phase involves a series of flood walls and embankments at Howley.
The third and final phase of the scheme will be constructed in Woolston, Padgate, Kingsway North, Cinnamon Brow and Latchford East and is scheduled for construction in summer next year, with completion in spring 2015.
The finished flood defences will reduce the risk of flooding to more than 2,000 homes and businesses in Warrington from the River Mersey and its tributaries.
The £23 million scheme has been made possible thanks to a partnership between the Environment Agency and Warrington Borough Council, who are jointly funding the new flood defences.
Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency, Mark Garratt, said: “The Environment Agency continually monitors flood risk and identified that thousands of homes and businesses are at risk of flooding from the River Mersey in Warrington.
“We prioritise our funding so that we protect as many people and properties as possible, but even with the support of government funding, this scheme would not have gone ahead without the support of Warrington Borough Council and the local community.
“Work is well underway in Latchford, where we are constructing a series of flood walls and embankments along Knutsford Road and in Victoria Park. We expect to finish work there in June, when we will begin work in Howley.
“Warrington has been on the cusp of major flooding several times, and the weather we experienced in 2012 highlights how essential this scheme will be.”
Cllr Linda Dirir, executive member for highways, transport and climate change at Warrington Borough Council, added: “This next phase of this vital flood defence scheme will provide immense peace of mind to the many households and businesses in the area that have all too regularly experienced first hand the distress of flooding. Once the scheme is complete the wider community will also benefit from riverside walks and planting of new species of trees planted to replace any lost in the area during the remedial works.
“A large number of trees had to be cut down in Victoria Park and along Knutsford Road, which was essential to enable the construction of the new defences. Extensive tree planting will take place in Victoria Park once construction is complete, and an arboretum – a collection of fine, specimen trees – will be created.
“In the meantime, a number of bat boxes and habitat piles are in place to provide homes for local wildlife and ecologists regularly check the site to ensure we do not disturb protected species.”
More trees will have to be removed at Howley, but more will be replanted than are removed. Semi-mature trees will be used where possible.
Work will be carried out at times to avoid the bird nesting season.
A major feature of the scheme will be the creation of attractive and welcoming spaces along the river. The design team have also been working hard to ensure the flood walls are as attractive as possible, and they will feature artwork by local schoolchildren.
People can find out more about the flood defences in Latchford and Howley, and have their say about the third phase of construction in Padgate, Woolston, Cinnamon Brow, Kingsway North and Latchford East, by attending one of a series of drop-in sessions.